What is a Fat Quarter?

Have you heard someone refer to a "Fat Quarter" and wasn't sure what they were talking about?  Well, along with a couple of other Quilting Terms,  Fat Quarters came about as a great marketing tool for selling more fabric.  

A fat quarter of fabric is a one-fourth yard cut that usually measures 18" x 22"*. To create a fat quarter, cut a half-yard of fabric, 18" ​along the fabric's lengthwise grain, then cut that piece in half at its midpoint as illustrated..   Fat quarters are sold individually or packaged in a bundle.

Tips For a Successful Block Swap Quilt

Types of Quilt Block Swaps

So, just what is swapping? It's an organized method of sharing a bit of your fabric stash, in exchange for someone else's. It can be a 'remnant' of a predetermined size, a fat eighth, a fat quarter, 2.5" strips, or a completed block. One big benefit is that the swap allows you to sample a new fabric styles that you might not normally purchase. It also allows you to share your favorite fabric passions with other quilters as well. This is a great way to build your scrappy 'stash'.

Block Swaps